WEYBURN, Sask.—The federal government announced a contribution of $53.3 million Thursday for a series of highway construction projects in Saskatchewan, which aim to strengthen a “key” trade corridor that connects the province to the U.S.

The projects involve construction of 16 sets of passing lanes on Highway 6 and 39 between Regina and Estevan, Sask. Short segments of the corridor will be twinned south of Regina, north of Milestone, Sask. and south of Weyburn. About 51 kilometres of pavement will be rehabilitated.